Is engineering a man’s world? We don’t think so!

Six engineering students at Bath are challenging the stereotypical image of the subject being for boys.

Rachel Betts, Rebecca Drake, Emma Bennett, Emily Dixon, Charlie Benbow and Rosie Scott, all undergraduate students on Civil Engineering and Civil Architectural Engineering courses, recently attended an Ove Arup event in London aimed at encouraging female students to aim high in sector.

The student’s attendance at the event was funded by a grant from the University Alumni Fund.

Rachel Betts, who is studying for a MEng in Civil Engineering, said: “Being able to go to this event gave us a great insight into the construction industry and in particular the wealth of opportunities available to female engineers.

“Most notable were presentations by female engineers at the forefront of the industry, sparking ambition and foresight among us to believe that women can achieve and succeed in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field.”

Emma Bennett, a MEng in Civil & Architectural Engineering student, said: “Gender equality issues, such as the pay gap which still exists in the UK and potential implications on career development of taking maternity leave, were openly discussed at the event and we now feel better prepared to deal with them in the workplace.

“We are hopeful that this opportunity will give us a head start in making successful applications to graduate positions and are very grateful to the University of Bath Alumni Fund for a grant that enabled us to travel to London to attend the event.”